New Delhi: NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore recently returned to Earth after spending 286 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS)—a mission that was initially planned to last just eight days.
Their unexpected and prolonged stay has drawn attention to NASA’s astronaut compensation policies, as it was revealed that despite spending nearly 10 months in space, they did not receive any overtime pay and were only given a nominal daily allowance of $5 (₹347).
Salary and Allowances: No Overtime or Hazard Pay
Williams and Wilmore are classified under the GS-15 pay grade, which is the highest level in the U.S. federal employee system. Their salaries range from $125,133 to $162,672 per year (₹1.03-1.34 crore). While their extended stay in space meant that their salaries continued as usual, they did not receive additional compensation for extra work, holidays, or weekends.
For the nine-month duration of their mission, their earnings were prorated to reflect the time spent in space, bringing their total salary to $93,850 – $122,004 (₹77.5 lakh – ₹1 crore).
However, what has caught public attention is their daily incidental allowance, which is meant to cover minor personal expenses. This is set at $5 (₹347) per day, resulting in a total of $1,430 (₹1.17 lakh) per astronaut for their 286-day stay—a figure that many believe does not adequately reflect the challenges of long-duration space travel.
NASA’s Justification: Standard Federal Employee Policy
NASA has defended this compensation structure, explaining that astronauts are considered federal employees and are subject to the same pay regulations as other government workers.
A NASA spokesperson stated:
“When NASA astronauts are aboard the International Space Station, they receive regular, 40-hour work-week salaries. They do not receive overtime or holiday/weekend pay.”
Additionally, because their transportation, meals, and lodging on the ISS are provided, they are placed on Temporary Duty (TDY) status, making them eligible for only a small incidental per diem. This policy applies to all NASA astronauts, regardless of mission duration.
Comparison with Previous Missions
This compensation structure is not new and aligns with NASA’s past practices. In 2010-11, astronaut Cady Coleman, who spent 159 days in space, received about $636 (₹52,000) in incidental pay at a rate of $4 per day.
Williams and Wilmore’s $5 per day allowance is slightly higher, but given that their mission lasted nearly twice as long, many believe that the compensation should have been adjusted accordingly.
Post-Mission Rehabilitation: The Physical Toll of Space Travel
Spending nearly 10 months in microgravity has significant effects on the human body. Astronauts face challenges such as:
- Muscle atrophy due to lack of weight-bearing activity
- Bone density loss, increasing the risk of fractures
- Fluid redistribution, leading to swelling and vision changes
To counteract these effects, Williams and Wilmore have now entered a 45-day rehabilitation program designed to help them readjust to Earth’s gravity. This includes:
- Physical therapy to restore muscle strength and flexibility
- Nutritional adjustments to aid bone recovery
- Vestibular training to recalibrate their balance and coordination
NASA’s medical team will closely monitor their health to ensure they return to pre-mission physical conditions.
The Larger Debate: Should Astronauts Be Paid More?
While NASA maintains that astronauts’ compensation is in line with federal policies, the public response has been mixed. Critics argue that astronauts undertake one of the most dangerous and demanding jobs in the world, and their pay should reflect the extreme risks involved.
Space travel is not just about floating in zero gravity—it involves:
- High-stakes scientific research in a confined, hazardous environment
- Exposure to radiation levels far beyond what is experienced on Earth
- Extended isolation from family and society
Despite these challenges, NASA astronauts receive no extra pay for longer missions. With commercial spaceflight on the rise and private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin offering lucrative contracts, some experts believe that NASA may need to rethink its compensation policies to attract and retain top talent.
For now, Williams and Wilmore have returned as space veterans, having conducted critical research and operations during their prolonged mission. However, their modest compensation has fueled a broader discussion about whether astronauts—who push the boundaries of human exploration—deserve a pay raise for their sacrifices in space.
